my 2000 venture is history!

Some moron pulled right out and my wife T the car. Total loss.

Since I can't afford new, and I'm familar with the Ventures, I'm seriously thinking of purchasing a used one.

What is the first available model year where the IMG was fixed?

I'd be safe with a 2004 or 2005 model. The gasket was revised in July 2002 in time for the 2003 model year production, so after that time should be good. I really haven't heard any issues with the LIM on the '04 or '05 models.

Hi Irssms, I see we're neighbors. If you got a new (used) Venture don't forget to check the underneath rocker panels behind the sliding doors as that's where these things start to rust first. Especially in our neck of the woods. When we got our 04 I looked at an 04 at Bonner Chevy and it already had some rust streaks. I found ours at Outten they had a certified one that came from down in Maryland so I hope they have less salt usage down there and maybe I'll be ahead of the rust game for a few years.

I ended up with the Montana - sister of the venture - rode much better than the SV6 models. The vehicle was in the show room, so I was able to inspect the under carriage - everything was fine. Picked it up for 9.8k with GM certified warranty 12k/12mo bumper to bumper. Plus the dealer needs to fix a few things.

What year if you don't mind me asking?

2005 - excellent condition too.

It's the body style I was after, and just overall hard to find. Seems to me the Pontaic was slightly upscale compared to the venture.

Yeah the Pontiacs were meant to be a step higher than the Ventures,and the Silhouettes ( when they were produced) were the top of the line. When looking for an Uplander I noticed the SV6's had more options and certain options were standard on the Pontiacs whereas they weren't on the Chevy. It's interesting to note you thought the older version of the van drove better than the redesigned model. After owning 2 Ventures for 8 years prior, I thought the Uplander rode better. I attributed that to the bigger tires, and the redesign. Maybe I'll have to see if I can test drive an '05 (older style) to compare again. Maybe they made some improvements over my 1997s :lol:. Good luck with your new van !